Photographer's Note

The existing building is erected on the foundations of the Hotel de la Compagnie, which was constructed around 1733; it was called Ancien gouvernment in 1748, then, Logement du gouverneur in 1753. Destroyed by the British, this edifice, called Hotel du Gouvernement, was rebuilt in 1766-68 by Bourcet; in 1820, it was ruined again; it was restored by Spinasse. Since then it has undergone several modifications but without changing the general plan of the mansion.

Government House (Raj Nivas) is a harmonious blend of French and Indian style architecture. It was once the location of the Hotel de la Compagnie (the French trading company that ruled in Puducherry from its first settlement in 1674 until the French government took over in 1769) and later played host to the French Governor General.

It is now residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Union Province. It is not open to the general public except on certain national holidays like Republic Day on 26th January.

The fence and the trees are framing well the building. The point of view is showing the details of the fence and of the government house. The quality of the light is bringing out the beauty of the colors. Have a nice day.

Hello Stephen,
since you were not allowed to get closer, you made a great composition from a distance and I like how you included the tall palm tree to fill a great part of the sky and accentuate perspective and scale. The colours are bright and lovely, the Governor's residence and its garden look fascinating. The placement of the guard is great, it makes his role even more significant. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a good night,
Ourania